Selawik teen accused of stealing snowmachine and ramming owner

ANCHORAGE (AP) -- A Selawik teen-ager has been arrested for stealing a teacher's snowmachine then ramming into the teacher, who pursued on a second snowmachine, Alaska State Troopers said.

The 15-year-old boy faces charges of third-degree assault, third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree theft and leaving the scene of an accident involving injury. The boy's name was not released because of his age.

Troopers said the teacher, Matthew Mannon, called them at 8 a.m. Monday to report the theft. Mannon, 26, told troopers he used another machine to try to catch the thief.

Troopers said the person on the stolen snowmachine rammed the machine Mannon was driving. Mannon, who was traveling more than 50 mph, crashed the snowmachine, suffering minor back and neck injuries, according to troopers.

Troopers flew to the Northwest Arctic Borough village of 772 and arrested the boy.